Winks set for two weeks out; Alderweireld close to return - sources

Tottenham expect to be without Harry Winks for at least the next two matches but Toby Alderweireld is closing in on a return to full training, sources have told ESPN FC.

Winks has not played since Boxing Day and the 21-year-old is not expected to be fit for Sunday's Premier League match at Southampton or the trip to Newport County in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday week.

The England midfielder damaged his ankle against Crystal Palace in November and, after initially trying to play through the issue, he now hopes to be pain-free by the end of this month.

The injury is separate to the ankle problem suffered by Winks against Burnley in April, which he did not fully recover from until late September.

Meanwhile, Alderweireld is targeting a return against Liverpool on Feb. 4. The centre-back has begun outdoor training alone and he hopes to join full training with the rest of the squad next week.

The match at Newport and Manchester United's crucial visit to Wembley on Jan. 31 should come too soon for the 28-year-old but Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino may risk him at Anfield.

Danny Rose is Tottenham's only other injury absentee and the left-back has been spending time at St. George's Park, England's training base near Derby, as he recovers from a knee injury.

Rose is hopeful of featuring against United. The injured trio have remained at home while the rest of the Spurs squad is in Barcelona for a training camp this week.